The MOU was signed between Qubad Talabani, the KRG Deputy Premier, and the Hungarian Foreign Minister on November 12, 2014.

Dr. Tibor Stmari, Hungarian Ambassador in Iraq, attended the meeting.

In the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Yusuf Goran, Head of the Committee, introduced members of the committee to the Hungarian Ambassador in Iraq.

Later, Dr. Yusuf Goran indicated to the formation and task of the committee which is the implementation of all points of the memorandum. He said: “We are seriously trying to implement the memorandum. Thus, we can open a strong gate towards boosting bilateral relations between the two sides. Previously Hungary has made many initiatives; therefore, via this memorandum we want to identify those aspects that can further develop bilateral relations. The formation of this committee is for finding proper mechanisms for the implementation of the memorandum; accordingly we have decided to visit Hungary.”

Finally, Dr. Yusuf Goran asked the Hungarian Ambassador in Iraq that they take the similar step and form a committee for accelerating the implementation of the memorandum.

On his part, Dr. Tibor Stmari said: “We, like the Kurdistan Region, are very serious in the implementation of the memorandum. Our relations with the Kurdistan Region are in a very good level, but we want to develop these elations more. Practically, Hungary has relations with the Kurdistan region in many aspects, especially in political, military, higher education, investment and the oil sector. In addition to this, currently in the Hungarian Consulate in Erbil visas are given to civilians directly. We can cooperate with the Kurdistan Region in aspects of tourism and archeology. Currently efforts are being made for opening direct flights between Erbil and Budapest.

He also said: “We will try to deliver the KRG’s message to the Hungarian government so that the related sides can take practical steps towards the implementation of the points and items of the memorandum.”

On April 30, 2015, the Presidency of the KRG Council of Ministers with the signature of Qubad Talabani, the KRG Deputy Premier, formed an eight member committee for the implementation of the signed Memorandum of Understanding between the Kurdistan Region and Hungary.

The committee includes:

1- Dr. Yusuf Goran, the KRG Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research……… Head of the Committee

2- Nawroz Mawlud, the KRG Minister of Municipality and Tourism …….Member of the Committee

3- Falah Mjustafa, Head of the KRG Foreign Relations Bureau ………. Member of the Committee

4- Rebwar Khalil, Head of the Kurdistan Region’s Investment Board ……….. Member of the Committee

5- Taha Zangana, Deputy Minister of the KRG Ministry of Natural Resources ……. Member of the Committee

6- Azhee Abdul Kadir, Counselor to the KRG Deputy Premier, ….. Member of the Committee

7- Mawlawi Jabbar, Head of the Kurdistan Region’s Tourism Board, …….. Member of the Committee

8- Abu Bakr Othman, Director General of Kurdistan Region’s Antiques, ……. Member of the Committee